Whooping Cough Reported At Pennsbury High School

FALLSINGTON, PA —The Pennsbury School District has announced that a high school student has come down with a case of whooping cough.

The school district sent out a notice from the nursing staff to parents Monday night about a pertussis (whooping cough) diagnosis.

"It has been reported to us by the Department of Health that a student tested positive for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) at Pennsbury High School," an email from Certified School Nurse Kathleen McGinnis and High School Campus Principal Reggie Meadows.

The school district requested that parents check their child’s immunization status and make sure it is up to date.

Parents who have not had their child immunized against Pertussis due to medical or religious reasons, should advise their physician about possible exposure to the disease, the school district said.

Whooping cough begins as an irritating cough that progresses into violent coughing fits, school officials said.

Often the coughing spells are enough that the child cannot breathe between coughs or gags and vomits.

Anyone with a moderate to severe cough should be evaluated by their physician to rule out pertussis.

Any with questions or concerns should contact the school at 215-949-6700, ext.2, and ask for McGinnis.